TASOMACHI: Behind the Twilight

Tasomachi is an atmospheric 3D platformer collectathon that succeeds in the area, but there’s a massive lack of polish, making me feel like it’s wasn’t ready to be released. I can see what this experience was aiming for, which is said as an accomplishment to the single developer who created it. However, a lot of optimization and options need to be added for this adventure to be considered finished. Still, it’s possible to have fun and overlook the flaws, but they are glaringly apparent by taking a step back.

Sometimes a lazy afternoon's worth of slow-release serotonin is all you need, and this soothing backrub of a game delivers on that promise. [Issue#359, p.117]

Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight sits in the middle of the landscape for 3D platforming. It is an achievement that one person managed to develop most of the game on their own, but that is not an element that should be taken into account when speaking of the quality. The gameplay is stripped back for simplicity, which is a double-edged sword for Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight. The challenge is never truly there, and the limited amount of challenge rooms means the game never gets the time to flesh out more intricate platforming designs, leaving it with a lack of variation. Still, when it was all coming together, I was enjoying the game, its lovely art style, its sort of tranquillity state when the music hits and the platforming is in full swing as it can be. It might not be a memorable platform game, but Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight is a fair starting block, a sort of alpha test that could be made into something much bigger, deeper and better in a sequel.

TASOMACHI’s technical execution can be rough in certain respects, and more challenge-hungry players might be put off by the game's quieter collect-a-thon tone. However, those looking for something a bit more soothing might take interest in the colorful and calm world of TASOMACHI: Behind The Twilight.

Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight doesn’t feel really complete, but it entertains the player with its simplicity.

Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight is a fairly rote 3D platformer with some great music and a nice aesthetic. While the controls feel floaty and there are numerous other annoyances, there’s still fun to be had exploring the intricate towns.

Tasomachi: Beyond the Light starts off with an intriguing premise, but the plot doesn't go anywhere, and the ending feels abrupt. The environments are great to look at, and the platforming challenges vary greatly, but the platforming mechanics aren't tight enough to be enjoyable. It's a short game that can feel long, and while the dedicated collect-a-thon crowd may find it a tad enjoyable, everyone else will likely bail before getting the bare minimum needed to finish it all.

Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight is unpolished and suffers from its slow start and lack of story. It’s not a standout game, not even a particularly good one...but there’s something there. It’s an introductory step by a fledgling developer that shows real promise.

I certainly didn’t have a bad time with Tasomachi — the environments are gorgeous, and exploring the towns is entertaining for short stints, but there are many other platformers that are simply more successful in their mechanics, storytelling, and polish. This might be a viable choice for younger players or those desiring low-stakes play, but for everyone else, there are better options.

Tasomachi: Behind The Twilight doesn't have anything that would make it worth playing over any of the much better 3D platformers available right now. Hopefully, the developer releases the soundtrack online so I can listen to these tunes without having to perform any more menial tasks for fog-ridden feline folk.